Latest Developments:
Supreme Court Justices’ Required Disclosures of Gifts From Private Sources
Four Justices received millions of dollars in earnings from books, and several reported income for teaching law courses in the U.S. and abroad. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson disclosed a gift of artwork for her office, while Justice Sonia Sotomayor accepted tickets for herself and others to see Bad Bunny perform in Puerto Rico. (See disclosures here: Justices’ financial disclosures | SCOTUSblog) Eight of nine Justices filed required disclosures; Justice Samuel Alito received a 90-day extension. ABA Journal – Supreme Court Justices’ Disclosures and NBC News – Justices Disclose Millions in Book Earnings – Teaching Income
Oklahoma Ethics Commission Considers How Parties Should Disclose Coordination After Supreme Court Opinion
As agencies begin reconciling the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in NRSC v. FEC with local laws, the Oklahoma Ethics Commission is recommending adjustments to how political parties report coordinated expenditures to Oklahoma candidates, a sign of what could occur nationwide. Now that caps have been lifted on political party expenses coordinated with candidates, the Commission recommends that parties “include the word ‘coordinated’ in the description so the expenditures aren’t flagged as overcontributions.” Oklahoman – Ethics Board Issues Guidance
San Francisco Supervisor Fined for Self-Portrait and Conflict of Interest
The San Francisco Ethics Commission’s $4,500 settlement with Supervisor Shamann Walton included $500 for violating state gift laws in accepting the $5,500 painting of himself, from a nonprofit organization, with a value exceeding then-existing limits. He was fined an additional $500 for failing to disclose it. The more significant $3,500 fine was imposed for voting on a grant agreement for non-profit Bay Area Community Resources, after accepting travel gifts from the entity in the prior 12 months. The nonprofits were not fined. Walton Stipulation Decision Order The San Francisco Chronicle reported that Walton said the art is still in his office and he “doesn’t know what he is going to do with it.” SF Chronicle – Supervisor Agrees to Fine & Ethics Commission Settlement
Events and Reminders:
Kentucky lobbyists take note: Kentucky’s Executive Branch Ethics Commission has extended the July 31, 2026 deadline for filing Annual Reports, registrations, and payment of fees to September 30, 2026. Fines for late filing will not be applied until October 1, 2026. The extension allows users additional time for data entry and consultation with staff due to the roll-out of a new electronic filing system. See Ethics – KY Homepage
The Virginia Conflict of Interest and Ethics Advisory Council reminds local officers and employees, and candidates for an elective office who are required to file a Statement of Economic Interests as part of their candidacy paperwork, that they now must use the Ethics Council’s online filing system. A bill details other changes coming in future years. Find the signed bill here, https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1218186.PDF and see the Council’s website for more details: Ethics – Virginia Homepage
In Case You Missed It:
More on Supreme Court Ethics…
Appearing before a Congressional committee, Justices Amy Coney Barrett and Elena Kagan offered differing opinions on whether a new independent enforcement mechanism was needed to enforce the Court’s code of ethics: Justice Kagan “would welcome” it, while Justice Barrett was “less certain.” The Hill – Supreme Court Ethics Enforcement
President’s Platform Will Charge Users for Early Access to Social Media Posts
The announcement that President Trump’s Truth Social will charge for special high-speed access to posts, “including possibly his own affecting national security and financial markets,” raised concerns that Wall Street trading firms and others would profit off subsequent moves in stocks, bonds and interest rates, and that the President and his family are profiting from the presidency. One expert in government conflicts of interest law raised concerns about “selling expedited, privileged access to information about what he is doing as president.”” AP News – Truth Social – Conflicts of Interest from Early Access